News Bin - June 13, 2019
Bringing you the latest news, information, and resources from around the web. In the June 13 edition, read more about the following:
- Parasites Are Ruining the Lovesongs of Darwin’s Finches
- 4,000 live reptiles rescued in biggest global raid of its kind
- International Protests Mount As Peru Moves Ahead With New Airport Near Machu Picchu
- Why is it controversial to declare a species less threatened?
- 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest Winners
Parasites Are Ruining the Lovesongs of Darwin’s Finches
The finches of the Galápagos Islands unwittingly played a pivotal role in scientific history, helping Charles Darwin formulate his theories of natural selection. Today, Darwin’s finches are in trouble, threatened by a parasitic fly that feeds on the blood of hatchlings, sometimes causing entire nests to die.
4,000 live reptiles rescued in biggest global raid of its kind
Global police forces have carried off the largest reptile trade bust to date (an initiative named Operation Blizzard), arresting 12 suspects and seizing more than 4,000 live reptiles at airports, breeding facilities, and pet stores across Europe, North America, and elsewhere throughout April and May.
International Protests Mount As Peru Moves Ahead With New Airport Near Machu Picchu
After decades of deliberation and planning, the Peruvian government has broken ground on a multibillion-dollar airport expected to connect Machu Picchu, the country's historical jewel, more easily with the outside world. But conservationists are outraged over the potential impact of a massive, state-of-the-art international facility on the ancient site and surrounding rural communities.
Why is it controversial to declare a species less threatened?
Last year, the Pink Pigeon moved from Endangered to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, its recovery the result of decades of conservation work. When the species moved to a lower threat category, it sounds like a cause for celebration - but why doesn’t everyone agree?
2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest Winners
National Geographic Has selected winners for their 2019 Travel Photo Contest! The Grand Prize went to Weimin Chu for the photo “Greenlandic Winter.” Winners were also selected for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the categories of cities, nature, and people.
Check out the full gallery of these of stunning and inspiring images here.